Risk assessment of oil and gas investment environment in countries along the Belt and Road Initiative

With the implementation of the Belt and Road Initiative, China is deepening its cooperation in oil and gas resources with countries along the Initiative. In order to better mitigate risks and enhance the safety of investments, it is of significant importance to research the oil and gas investment environment in these countries for China's overseas investment macro-layout. This paper proposes an indicator system including 27 indicators from 6 dimensions. On this basis, game theory models combined with global entropy method and analytic hierarchy process are applied to determine the combined weights, and the TOPSIS-GRA model is utilized to assess the risks of oil and gas investment in 76 countries along the Initiative from 2014 to 2021. Finally, the GM(1,1) model is employed to predict risk values for 2022-2025. In conclusion, oil and gas resources and political factors have the greatest impact on investment environment risk, and 12 countries with greater investment potential are selected through cluster analysis in conjunction with the predicted results. The research findings may provide scientific decisionmaking recommendations for the Chinese government and oil enterprises to strengthen oil and gas investment cooperation with countries along the Belt and Road Initiative.

Colorectal cancer’s burden attributable to a diet high in processed meat in the Belt and Road Initiative countries

BACKGROUND Colorectal cancer(CRC)plays a significant role in morbidity,mortality,and economic cost in the Belt and Road Initiative(“B and R”)countries.In addition,these countries have a substantial consumption of processed meat.However,the burden and trend of CRC in relation to the consumption of a diet high in processed meat(DHPM-CRC)in these“B and R”countries remain unknown.AIM To analyze the burden and trend of DHPM-CRC in the“B and R”countries from 1990 to 2019.METHODS We used the 2019 Global Burden of Disease Study to collate information regarding the burden of DHPM-CRC.Numbers and age-standardized rates(ASRs)of deaths along with the disability-adjusted life years(DALYs)were determined among the“B and R”countries in 1990 and 2019.Using joinpoint regression analysis,the average annual percent change(AAPC)was used to analyze the temporal trends of age-standardized DALYs rate(ASDALR)from 1990 to 2019 and in the final decade(2010–2019).RESULTS We found geographical differences in the burden of DHPM-CRC among“B and R”countries,with the three highest-ranking countries being the Russian Federation,China,and Ukraine in 1990,and China,the Russian Federation,and Poland in 2019.The burden of DHPM-CRC generally increased in most member countries from 1990 to 2019(all P<0.05).The absolute number of deaths and DALYs in DHPM-CRC were 3151.15[95%uncertainty interval(UI)665.74-5696.64]and 83249.31(95%UI 15628.64-151956.31)in China in 2019.However,the number of deaths(2627.57-2528.51)and DALYs(65867.39-55378.65)for DHPM-CRC in the Russian Federation has declined.The fastest increase in ASDALR for DHPM-CRC was observed in Vietnam,Southeast Asia,with an AAPC value of 3.90%[95%confidence interval(CI):3.63%-4.16%],whereas the fastest decline was observed in Kyrgyzstan,Central Asia,with an AAPC value of-2.05%(95%CI:-2.37%to-1.73%).A substantial upward trend in ASR of mortality,years lived with disability,years of life lost,and DALYs from DHPM-CRC changes in 1990-2019 and the final decade(2010-2019)for most Maritime Silk Route members in East Asia,South Asia,Southeast Asia,North Africa,and the Middle East,as well as Central Europe,while those of the most Land Silk Route members in Central Asia and Eastern Europe have decreased markedly(all P<0.05).The ASDALR for DHPM-CRC increased more in males than in females(all P<0.05).For those aged 50-74 years,the ASDALR for DHPM-CRC in 40 members exhibited an increasing trend,except for 20 members,including 7 members in Central Asia,Maldives,and 12 high or high-middle social development index(SDI)members in other regions(all P<0.05).CONCLUSION The burden of DHPM-CRC varies substantially across“B and R”countries and threatens public health.Relevant evidence-based policies and interventions tailored to the different trends of countries in SDIs or Silk Routes should be adopted to reduce the future burden of CRC in“B and R”countries via extensive collaboration.

UNEP welcomes China to international decarbonization initiative

An official with the United Nations Environment Programme has welcomed China’s participation in an international initiative that aims to decarbonize the building sector,saying it offers the opportunity for China to share its valuable experiences and insight on promoting green buildings.Jonathan Duwyn,program officer of UNEP’s buildings and construction cities unit,made the remarks in a recent interview with China Daily,following the launch of the Buildings Breakthrough on Dec.6at COP28United Nations climate change conference in Dubai,the United Arab Emirates.

Innovation Analysis of Rural Agricultural Economic Management Model in the Context of the Belt and Road Initiative

[Objectives]To explore innovative strategies for rural agricultural economic development in the context of the Belt and Road Initiative.[Methods]This research adopts the method of literature review and field research,systematically combs the research results related to the Belt and Road Initiative and rural agricultural economic management,and deeply understands the actual situation of rural agricultural economic management.[Results]The research shows that in the context of the Belt and Road Initiative,the rural agricultural economy is facing new development opportunities and challenges,but there are also some problems.In the new period,we should accelerate the innovative development of rural agricultural economy by promoting market-oriented reform,strengthening scientific and technological innovation,optimizing the industrial structure,deepening international cooperation and other measures.The Belt and Road Initiative provides an important opportunity for the innovation of rural agricultural economic management.Rural agricultural economic management should be actively integrated into the Belt and Road construction to improve the level of rural agricultural economic management.[Conclusions]This study provides useful exploration and reference for the innovation of rural agricultural economic management models,which helps to promote the healthy development of rural agricultural economy and achieve the goal of rural revitalization.

Enhancing Private Healthcare Effectiveness in Lagos State, Nigeria: An Overview of the Effect of Quality Improvement Initiatives and Implications for Sustainable Healthcare Delivery

Background: Nigeria, a nation grappling with rapid population growth, economic intricacies, and complex healthcare challenges, particularly in Lagos State, the economic hub and most populous state, faces the challenge of ensuring quality healthcare access. The overview of the effect of quality improvement initiatives in this paper focuses on private healthcare providers in Lagos State, Nigeria. The study assesses the impact of donor-funded quality improvement projects on these private healthcare facilities. It explores the level of participation, perceived support, and tangible effects of the initiatives on healthcare delivery within private healthcare facilities. It also examines how these initiatives influence patient inflow and facility ratings, and bring about additional benefits and improvements, provides insights into the challenges faced by private healthcare providers in implementing quality improvement projects and elicits recommendations for improving the effectiveness of such initiatives. Methods: Qualitative research design was employed for in-depth exploration, utilizing semi-structured interviews. Private healthcare providers in Lagos involved in the SP4FP Quality Improvement Project were purposively sampled for diversity. Face-to-face interviews elicited insights into participation, perceived support, and project effects. Questions covered participation levels, support perception, changes observed, challenges faced, and recommendations. Thematic analysis identified recurring themes from interview transcripts. Adherence to ethical guidelines ensured participant confidentiality and informed consent. Results: Respondents affirmed active involvement in the SP4FP Quality Improvement Project, echoing literature emphasizing private-sector collaboration with the public sector. While acknowledging positive influences on facility ratings, respondents highlighted challenges within the broader Nigerian healthcare landscape affecting patient numbers. Respondents cited tangible improvements, particularly in staff management and patient care processes, validating the positive influence of quality improvement projects. Financial constraints emerged as a significant challenge, aligning with existing literature emphasizing the pragmatic difficulties faced by private healthcare providers. Conclusions: This study illuminates the complex landscape of private healthcare provision in Lagos State, emphasizing the positive impact of donor-funded quality improvement projects. The findings provide nuanced insights, guiding policymakers, healthcare managers, and practitioners toward collaborative, sustainable improvements. As Nigeria progresses, these lessons will be crucial in shaping healthcare policies prioritizing population well-being.

Preliminary Study on Overseas Applicability of Chinese Architectural Design Standards:Taking China-Aided Construction Projects in Asia Since the Belt and Road Initiative as Examples

This research takes China-aided construction projects in Asia since the Belt and Road Initiative as examples to explore the applicability of Chinese architectural design standards in other Asian countries.So far,the standards demonstrated the highest applicability in South Asia is the best followed by Southeast Asia.Chinese architectural design standards for educational buildings showed the highest applicability,followed by office,medical,and sports buildings.This study puts forward some strategies to improve the applicability of Chinese architectural design standards.These strategies include integrating regionalism and local cultural traditions,optimizing energy efficiency,and aligning designs with local usage habits.This study serves as a reference for similar projects in the future.

Optimizing University Faculty Teams: Addressing the Talent Mobility Challenges in the Context of “Double First-Class” Initiative

With the advancement of the“Double First-Class”initiative,universities are increasingly focusing on attracting top-tier talent to enhance faculty quality and strengthen academic disciplines.The blind competition for high-end talent among universities reflects an overshadowing of academic values by economic considerations,neglecting the growth patterns of top talent and the development laws of higher education.This study investigates and reflects on the real-world challenges of faculty mobility in universities,aiming to provide effective guidance for managing university faculty teams.

Discourse Analysis of the Belt and Road Initiative From the Perspective of Central Asian Countries: A Case Study of the Republic of Kazakhstan

This study employs Norman Fairclough’s Critical Discourse Analysis(CDA)three-dimensional model,using the Republic of Kazakhstan as a case study,to delve into the discourse construction of China’s Belt and Road Initiative(BRI)in Central Asian countries.Through detailed analysis of policy documents,media reports,and public discussions in Central Asian countries,this paper reveals how the BRI constructs specific social practices,discourse events,and textual meanings within these nations.The findings indicate that through this global development strategy,China has not only strengthened its economic ties with Central Asian countries but has also exerted profound influences on political,cultural,and social levels.

Indian Solar Panel Initiatives in Reducing Carbon Dioxide Emissions

Environmental degradation and the emission of greenhouse gases particularly carbon dioxide have expanded problems to human wellness and to the atmosphere. The second-most populated country in the globe, India, is among the primary users of conventional resources, which leads to global warming. The growth rate is anticipated to raise more before 2050, which will cause the brisk industrial expansion and rising energy demand to both increases. In order to reduce carbon emissions and meet energy requirements, many countries use alternate usage of renewable energy particularly solar energy. In this review we aim to study solar panel schemes initiated by India, mainly focusing on National Solar Mission. This study also reviews the present solar installed capacity, solar panel scheme 2022, and initiatives and outcomes of solar panels in residences and offices. This study reviewed that by using solar panel resources, the (MNRE) Ministry of New and Renewable Energy hopes to help the Indian Government reach its purpose of 100 GW solar installed capacity by end of 2022. Despite having an amazing 40 GW of solar power installed capacity till December 2021, India is still far from reaching its own goal of 100 GW by March 2023 as per NSM. In essence, this means that India will need to change a few of its ongoing plans further.

Construction of University Librarian Team in the Context of Double First-Class Initiative

Data services,knowledge services,and information services are the core service elements of university libraries in the context of the Double First-Class Initiative.Combined with the current situation of insufficient overall service capacity of libraries,this paper proposed strategies and implementation paths for optimizing the service system from three aspects:the construction of the professional qualification system for librarians,the establishment of post institutions,and the construction of library culture.Long-term path:putting library human resource management into the legal track,taking the lead in local legislation,and promoting the construction of library legislation and professional qualification certification system;optimizing the personnel system,implementing hierarchical management and classified assessment for professional librarians and auxiliary librarians.Short-term path:intensive post allocation,namely,assigning the core strength in the core post,and tackling the temporary major work combining multiple forces in the form of a"working group";building an open knowledge service ecosystem,accelerate the cross-border integration of libraries and other organizations,and striving to build the core competitiveness of libraries.

Integration of the Historical Initiative Spirit into the Ideological and Political Course of Colleges and Universities : Value Implication, Main Contents and Practical Dimension

The value implication,main contents and practical dimension of integrating the historical initiative spirit into the ideological and political course of colleges and universities were studied.From the perspective of value implication,integrating the historical initiative spirit into the ideological and political course of colleges and universities is helpful to promoting the integrity and innovation of the ideological and political course in colleges and universities,deepening the historical cognition of students and building the cornerstone of students belief.From the perspective of main contents,teachers of ideological and political course should clarify the theoretical connotation of the historical initiative spirit,give a thorough exposition of the generation logic of the historical initiative spirit,and explain The Times value of the historical initiative spirit lively.From the perspective of practical dimension,it is necessary to give full play to the educational function of the historical initiative spirit by enriching the content of curriculum teaching,innovating the ways and methods of education and teaching,integrating theory and practice,and online and offline interaction.

Preliminary validation of Global Leadership Initiative on Malnutrition criteria in cancer patients:A cross-sectional study

Background:The Global Leadership Initiative on Malnutrition(GLIM)has been used in China since 2019.This study aimed to test the use of the GLIM criteria in Chinese cancer patients and to compare the diagnostic performance of the GLIM criteria with the Patient-Generated Subjective Global Assessment(PG-SGA)and modified PG-SGA(mPG-SGA). Methods:A total of 2,000 cancer patients were consecutively screened using the Nutritional Risk Screening 2002 instrument on ad-mission.Patients at nutritional risk(Nutritional Risk Screening 2002 score≥3)were enrolled to obtain the complete GLIM,PG-SGA,and mPG-SGA criteria.To evaluate the convergent validity,Spearman correlation analysis was used to compare the test-retest reliability of the GLIM criteria and its results with the scores of various nutritional tools and objective parameters.Kruskal-Wallis tests and χ2 tests were used to test the discriminant validity among groups with different nutritional status.We calculated the sensitivity,specificity,positive predictive value,and negative predictive value for the various tools. Results:There were 562 patients found to be at nutritional risk,accounting for 28.1%of all patients.One hundred seventy-four patients(8.7%)were diagnosed as moderately malnourished,and 333 patients(16.6%)were severely malnourished based on the PG-SGA.When assessed using the GLIM criteria,185 patients(9.3%)were diagnosed as moderately malnourished and 311 patients(15.5%)were severely malnourished.The content validity of the GLIM criteria was 95%,evaluated by 60 medical staff members.The test-retest reliability was good.For the diagnosis of malnutrition versus the PG-SGA,the sensitivity of the GLIM was"good"(90.5%;95%confidence interval[95%CI]=88.0%-93.1%),with a positive predictive value of 92.5%(95%CI=90.2%-94.9%),but the spec-ificity and negative predictive value were"poor."Similar results were obtained when the mPG-SGA was used as the criterion. Conclusions:Overall,this cross-sectional study suggests that the GLIM criteria comprise a valid and reliable tool to assess the nutri-tional status of Chinese cancer patients.

Current Situation and Discussion of “Going Abroad” in Higher Vocational Colleges Under the Background of the Belt and Road Initiative

The Belt and Road Initiative has brought unprecedented development opportunities for domestic higher vocational colleges to“go abroad,”but it has also brought severe challenges.Driven by the Belt and Road Initiative,the development of higher vocational colleges“going abroad”has been confronted with a series of challenges,including the imperfect connection of policies,the lack of internal funds,as well as international standards,which are important factors affecting their development.Therefore,it is necessary to start from three aspects,which are policy guarantee,financing,and docking international standards.Through in-depth study of“going abroad”with tthe Belt and Road Initiative,we can effectively reduce the adverse impact of“going abroad”and provide a better and more innovative development environment for higher vocational colleges.

International Dissemination of TCM Culture under the "Belt and Road" Initiative: Opportunities and Challenges

The international dissemination of TCM culture, as a carrier of the implementation of the"Belt and Road"Initiative, is being endowed with greater importance. However, the spread of TCM culture into the world faces opportunities as well as challenges. To better serve the"Belt and Road"Initiative, measures should be taken to strengthen TCM communication and cooperation in different aspects and build a sound intellectual property protection system.

An international program on Silk Road Disaster Risk Reduction--a Belt and Road initiative (2016-2020)

Belt and Road Initiative(BRI) is a Chinese national strategy which calls for cooperative economic, political and cultural exchange at the global level along the ancient Silk Road. The overwhelming natural hazards located along the belt and road bring great challenges to the success of BRI. In this framework, a 5-year international program was launched to address issues related to hazards assessment and disaster risk reduction(DRR). The first workshop of this program was held in Beijing with international experts from over 15 countries. Risk conditions on Belt and Road Countries(BRCs) have been shared and science and technology advancements on DRR have been disseminated during the workshop. Under this program, six task forces have been setup to carry out collaborative research works and three prioritized study areas have been established. This workshop announced the launching of this program which involved partners from different countries including Pakistan, Nepal, Russia, Italy, United Kingdom, Sri Lanka and Tajikistan. The program adopted the objectives of Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015-2030 and United Nation Sustainable Development Goals 2030 and was implemented to assess disaster risk in BRCs and to propose suitable measures for disaster control which can be appropriate both for an individual country and for specific sites. This paper deals with the outcomes of the workshop and points out opportunities for the near future international cooperation on this matter.

Spatial-temporal Evolution and Determinants of the Belt and Road Initiative: A Maximum Entropy Gravity Model Approach

The spatial interaction model is an effective way to explore the geographical disparities inherent in the Belt and Road Initiative(BRI) by simulating spatial flows. The traditional gravity model implies the hypothesis of equilibrium points without any reference to when or how to achieve it. In this paper, a dynamic gravity model was established based on the Maximum Entropy(MaxEnt) theory to estimate and monitor the interconnection intensity and dynamic characters of bilateral relations. In order to detect the determinants of interconnection intensity, a Geodetector method was applied to identify and evaluate the determinants of spatial networks in five dimensions. The empirical study clearly demonstrates a heterogeneous and non-circular spatial structure. The main driving forces of spatial-temporal evolution are foreign direct investment, tourism and railway infrastructure construction, while determinants in different sub-regions show obvious spatial differentiation. Southeast Asian countries are typically multi-island area where aviation infrastructure plays a more important role. North and Central Asian countries regard oil as a pillar industry where power and port facilities have a greater impact on the interconnection. While Western Asian countries are mostly influenced by the railway infrastructure, Eastern European countries already have relatively robust infrastructure where tariff policies provide a greater impetus.

The Belt and Road Initiative and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development:seeking linkages for global environmental governance

Global environmental cooperation serves as an important part in the Chinese ideal of building a Community with a Shared Future for all Human Beings. The report of 19 th CPC National Congress indicates that China is committed to proactive mitigation under the Paris Agreement and further participating in global environmental governance under the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, and both of which are largely integrated to the Belt and Road Initiative(BRI). BRI are also closely linked with South-South environmental and climate cooperation proposed by China from previous UN summits. Based on shared ideas, intersected agendas, and compatible governance approaches, BRI and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development grow increasingly relevant and they might form synergies based on increasingly interactive relations. In sum,seeking and intensifying the linkages between BRI and 2030 sustainable development goals(SDGs) could address global environmental governance deficits and enhance cooperation among nations.

China's Belt and Road Initiative: Incorporating public health measures toward global economic growth and shared prosperity

The unprecedented globalization of trade,travel,climate change,protectionism,and geopolitical populism,as well as pandemic health threats are no longer issues for a single nation.In the field of public health,China's Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) offers immense opportunities for partnership and collective actions involving multiple countries to combat globalization-linked infectious and/or chronic diseases,emerging pandemics,and outbreaks of potential threats to both laboratory information management systems and health information management.The national and global health challenges have increasingly proved that economic prosperity cannot be achieved when huge knowledge and capacity gaps exist in health systems.There is thus a need for public health initiatives aimed at strengthening the health systems beyond sovereign borders to influence global geo-economics.We highlight situational insights that offer approaches and strategies for increasing public health investment and capacity development in the countries along the Belt and Road,enhancing public and global health cooperation alongside participation in disease control and elimination,promoting public health governance and data sharing for pandemic threats,and building shared values and benefits in public health through Sino-African cooperation and the BRI.Our approach also examines the values of the China's BRI in relation to public health,projections and initiatives for increasing new investment and development capacity in public health systems,and enhanced public and global health cooperation and participation toward the BRI's framework and scope.

MILP formulations for highway petrol station replenishment in initiative distribution mode

To investigate highway petrol station replenishment in initiative distribution mode,this paper develops a mixed-integer linear programming(MILP)model with minimal operational costs that includes loading costs,unloading costs,transport costs and the costs caused by unpunctual distribution.Based on discrete representation,the working day is divided into equal time intervals,and the truck distribution process is decomposed into a pair of tasks including driving,standby,rest,loading and unloading.Each truck must execute one task during a single interval,and the currently executing task is closely related to the preceding and subsequent tasks.By accounting for predictive time-varying sales at petrol stations,real-time road congestion and a series of operational constraints,the proposed model produces the optimal truck dispatch,namely,a detailed task assignment for all trucks during each time interval.The model is tested on a real-world case of a replenishment system comprising eight highway petrol stations,one depot,one garage and eight trucks to demonstrate its applicability and accuracy.

SWOT Analysis and Challenges of Nile Basin Initiative:An Integrated Water Resource Management Perspective

River Nile is one of the longest transboundery rivers and it is shared and used by Burundi,Democratic Republic of Congo,Egypt,Ethiopia,Eritrea,Kenya,Rwanda,Sudan,Tanzania and Uganda.As of today,the Nile is a crucial resource for the economic development of the Nile Basin countries and a vital source of livelihood for 160 million inhabitants as well as 300 million people living in the 10 riparian countries.The Nile Basin Initiative(NBI) is one of the international cooperative river basin management program and regional partnership where all the Nile Basin countries except Eritrea unite to pursue long-term sustainable development,improved land use practices and management.This review therefore focused on the challenges not faced on NBI in terms of integrated use of the river and conducted analysis of strengths,weaknesses,opportunities and threats(SWOT) based on secondary data.The result of the review revealed that for decades,the Nile Basin people have been facing many complex environmental,social,economic and political challenges that have made it difficult for the proper management and sustainability of Nile water.The initiative provides training to develop skills in government ministries,non-governmental organizations and local communities in each country.It is also working to raise awareness of critical environmental issues by strengthening networks of environmental education practitioners;developing curriculum in the education sector.The challenges of NBI include the involvement and funding of World Bank,lack of sufficient staff,procedural and policies conflicts,lack of coordination and linkage with other regional institutions and lack of recognition as river basin organization.Considering the complex nature of the project,it is recommended that the NBI should come up with a strong multi-disciplinary monitoring and evaluation team to follow up all implemented projects.The NBI should carry out participatory land use planning in communities along the river basin.Moreover,livelihood analysis should be carried out especially in communities along the Nile to come up with poverty eradication projects which are socially acceptable,applicable,economically viable and affordable.